Support bike facilities on Beltway HOT Lanes bridges

Now is the time to speak out for bike facilities on the Beltway HOT Lanes bridges. The Beltway has been a barrier to bicycle travel in Northern Virginia for over 40 years and now is the time to overcome that barrier. Public hearings on the proposed Beltway/I-495 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) project were just announced.

There will be hearings on two evenings, Tues. May 20 & Wed. May 21. An open house will be held from 5-7 p.m. After a brief presentation at 7 p.m. there will be a public comment period. Arrive early to sign up for the speaker's list at the door.

While we have worked with VDOT and County Transportation staff and have been told that bike facilities are included in the current plans for the reconstructed bridges and overpasses over the Beltway, it is critical that cyclists attend the public hearings and speak out in support of these facilities:

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide bicycle connections across the Beltway which has been a barrier to bicycle travel for 40 years.

If you cannot attend either of the public hearings, please submit comments by June 5, 2008, to Roger Boothe, Project Manager, VDOT, 6400 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA 22150. You may also e-mail your comments to: Meeting_Comments@VDOT.Virginia.gov.